What do your finances say about what you treasure? Hi, I'm Rob West. My new devotional Our Ultimate Treasure is a 21-day journey through scripture that helps you realign your heart and your money with what truly lasts. As you consider where to make your year-end gifts this year, consider supporting what we do here at FaithFi. Every dollar donated to FaithFi before December 31st will be matched thanks to generous supporters.
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Now, on to the podcast. Ever wonder why money so often reveals what we truly value?
Well, today we'll find out. Hi, I'm Rob West. You probably know that on Faith and Finance, I'm usually the one asking the questions, but today we're turning the tables. Afton Phillips is here to talk about a devotional project I've been working on, one that goes straight to the heart of our financial lives. And then we'll take your phone calls at 800-525-7000.
That's 800-525-7000. This is Faith and Finance, biblical wisdom for your financial journey.
Well, it is always so much fun when Afton Phillips is in the studio. She's our head of content here at FaithFi, and today we're switching seats. That's right. She's going to take the interviewer's chair to talk about a project that's especially close to my heart. It's our new 21-day devotional, Our Ultimate Treasure.
Afton, great to see you. Thanks, Rob. I'm looking forward to interviewing you this time around.
Well, I am as well, and I'm ready, so I guess you should fire away. All right.
Well, I've been able to read really early drafts of this devotional all the way through, and it feels so deeply personal to you. What inspired you to write Our Ultimate Treasure in the first place? Yeah, you know, you're right. It is personal. I think it was born out of so many conversations with people who genuinely want to honor God with their money, but maybe they feel stuck or uncertain how to do it.
And I've realized that the issue isn't usually about numbers, it's about the heart. You know, I started in radio right out of college, and I was doing a radio show at night, and I was helping people through the practice. My wealth management firm manage billions of dollars during the day. And I realized it didn't matter whether you were 60,000 in credit card debt or you had 60 million in your investments. Money issues are heart issues, and you can be in bondage on either side of that equation.
And I think that's why Jesus talked about money more than almost any other topic, not because he needs our resources, he owns it all, but because he knew how easily our hearts can get tangled up in them.
So, at the end of the day, I wanted to create something that helps people just slow down and rediscover what. Scripture says about money, not as a source of stress or identity, but as a tool for worship. And so that's what we've done. Each day of the devotional invites readers to realign their hearts with God's purposes, to experience freedom where there's been fear, and to find joy in trusting Him as their ultimate treasure. That's so great.
And you know, you've often said, especially on this program, that idea that money issues really are heart issues.
So, and you really start off the devotional with this idea.
So, maybe give us a little bit more about why that's kind of the foundational thing you started with. Yeah, it's a great question. And I think that truth sits at the foundation of everything we teach at Faith Phi. Jesus said, Of course, where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
So, in other words, how we spend, save, and give, it reveals what we treasure most. If we only focus on fixing the surface, budgeting better, paying off debt, saving more, we might improve our circumstances, but our hearts can still remain captive to worry and greed and pride.
So I wanted to begin the devotional by inviting readers to go deeper, to let God transform their relationship with money from the inside out. And when the heart is aligned with Him, well, the practical steps then begin to flow naturally. That's where true freedom and faithful stewardship begin. You know, you talk about this all the time on the show: the idea of moving from an ownership mindset to a stewardship mindset.
So, how does that shift the way we manage our money in everyday life? It's a game changer. You know, when we see ourselves as owners, we carry the weight of control. Every financial decision feels like it rests solely on our shoulders. But when we recognize that God owns it all and we're simply managers or stewards of his resources, well, our perspective moves from pressure to purpose.
You know, stewardship invites us to ask a different question: not what do I want to do with my money, but Lord, what do you want me to do with your money? And that posture leads to freedom, not guilt. It helps us spend more thoughtfully, save with intention, even to give with joy. Even in our daily choices, how we shop or invest or plan for the future becomes an act of worship rather than self-preservation.
So, I think Afton, when we move from ownership to stewardship, we're no longer trying to build our own kingdoms. We're participating in God's kingdom, trusting that He'll provide what we need and use what we have for His glory. It all eventually becomes about faithfulness to the opportunities the Lord has given us. That's so good. Thanks, Rob.
Absolutely. All right, we're going to continue this. Apton's going to continue in the interviewee seed. I'll be the interviewee. We're talking today about a brand new devotional that I've been working on.
It's called Our Ultimate Treasure. Over 21 days, our hope and our prayer here at FaithFi is that it transforms your view of money as you make God your ultimate treasure. More on that just around the corner. Stick around. We'll be right back.
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I'm Rob West. In the studio today, Afton Phillips, our head of content here at Faith Vi, and we're turning the tables. That's right. Afton has become the interviewer as we talk about a brand new devotional project that I've been working on called Our Ultimate Treasure.
So, Afton, I'll turn it back over to you. Awesome. Let's jump back in and let's talk about wisdom. Because in this brand new devotional that you've been working so hard on, because you tie scripture and financial decisions together in such a practical way, I'm curious: how does biblical wisdom influence the way we develop healthy money habits? Yeah.
You know, biblical wisdom provides a framework for making financial decisions that honor God and not just benefit ourselves. The world often tells us to chase comfort or security or success, but scripture teaches us to pursue faithfulness. That when we approach money through that lens, our habits begin to change.
So, wisdom starts with recognizing that God's principles aren't restrictive, they're protective. The Bible calls us to avoid debt and live within our means and plan diligently and give generously. And these aren't just good financial strategies, they're actually reflections of God's character, an orderly, generous, and trustworthy God. And when we follow biblical wisdom, we move from reacting emotionally to responding spiritually.
So, instead of being driven by fear or greed, we're guided by discernment and peace. And then, over time, well, those choices form habits, the habits that lead to margin, contentment, and generosity, what we all desire. And then ultimately, wisdom shapes our money in the same way it shapes our hearts, ultimately leading us to look more like Christ. Oh, that's so, so good. And I love that you just brought up margin.
You wrote in the book, margin creates space for God to work. I just love that.
So, can you unpack a little bit for our listeners what that means? Yeah, one of the days is actually dedicated to this topic of margin, and it's really about leaving room for God to move, for rest, for generosity. In our culture, we tend to fill every dollar, every minute, every ounce of energy. I'm guilty of this myself, but when our schedules and our finances are maxed out, there's no space left to respond to God's promptings or to meet the needs that He places in front of us. You know, what was often seen as a distraction to Jesus' ministry was the ministry, right?
As He stopped and responded to the people on His path. And I love that. And I think as we create margin, whether it's financial or emotional or time-related, it's an act. Of faith. We're saying, Lord, I trust you enough to not live at the edge.
When we budget below our income or leave breathing room in our calendar, we acknowledge that we're not the ultimate provider or controller. God is. And that's where we start to see Him work. Margin allows space for generosity, for rest that renews, and for flexibility that redirects us. I think it's in that space that God often surprises us with His provision, His peace, and His purpose.
That's so true. And it is such a challenge. I think that's why it needed to be a devotional because we really needed to unpack all these heart issues that actually have to do with our money. And I'm glad you brought up generosity because that's such a huge part of what we talk about on the show, and it's a huge part of the devotional.
So, I'd love for you to talk a little bit about just the themes of generosity and eternal perspective and what you want readers to take away from those days of the devotion. Yeah, our heart here at Faith Fi, and certainly in this devotional, is that readers would see that generosity isn't just about giving money, it's really about joining God in his redemptive work here in the world. World. And when we give, we're participating in something far bigger than ourselves. You know, our generosity becomes a reflection of God's heart and a visible, tangible expression of his love in the world.
When we live with an eternal perspective, we begin to see the fruit of generosity isn't measured in numbers, but in lives changed. It's souls encouraged and needs met and faith strengthened and God's word extending to the ends of the earth. And scripture reminds us that we are enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which is amazing. I mean, it says that part of the reason God has entrusted to us what He has is so we can give. And that's really the heartbeat of our ultimate treasure, this devotional.
I want readers to recognize that generosity is a response to grace. It's a way of aligning our hearts with God's purposes and trusting that every act of faithfulness has eternal significance. Oh, I love that. And I love that all that is wrapped up in a book that we can just take with us, we can gift to our friends. It's just a message that's so needed.
And there's another section in the book, one of my favorite sections, is about legacy. And you describe it as preparing the next steward.
So, can you give us a little bit of the heart behind that idea? Yeah. You know, Ron Blue, one of my mentors, has said all the years that I've known him that one of the key questions that a Christian needs to ask and ultimately answer is: is the next steward chosen and prepared? And I think preparing the next steward, really thinking deeply about that, is so critical because legacy isn't about wealth, it's about faithfulness.
So, preparing the next steward means intentionally helping the next generation understand that everything we have belongs to God. And our role is to model what it looks like to hold resources with open hands. And use them for his purposes. And too often, inheritance is viewed only in financial terms. But if we pass on money without passing on wisdom, we've missed the point.
Our goal really needs to be to equip our children and spiritual sons and daughters with a biblical vision of stewardship so they can continue what God has started through us. And when we live and give in that way, it reflects God's heart. We're planting seeds that can bear fruit long after we're gone. It's the kind of legacy that truly lasts. And here's the reality: you know, if we pass wealth before wisdom, it could propel those next stewards in a direction away from God.
And none of us want to see that happen. That's so true. And, you know, I'm just so grateful. I think what's so magical about this book is that you've taken all the core concepts that you talk on this show all the time about, you know, and we've really distilled it down into these 21, you know, memorable days that give you kind of the core concepts of faith. Faith and Finance, this show, and Faith Fi, our brand.
And I'm just curious: you know, when someone completes our ultimate treasure, our 21-day devotional from start to finish, what do you hope will be different in their life? Yeah, my hope and our prayer, our entire team here at Faith Fi, is that someone who finishes our ultimate treasure, they would have a complete change in their view of money and of God, and that their life would be transformed. You know, I want to see that financial stewardship isn't just about managing resources, but about a deepening relationship with Him, a more intimate relationship. And when we understand that everything we have belongs to a generous Father, well, our posture towards money shifts from one of fear to one of trust. We move from striving to surrender, and that's ultimately what we're looking for.
And so, my prayer is that readers walk away with a renewed sense of peace, knowing they can live freely because God provides faithfully. I would also hope they'll feel inspired to use what He's entrusted to them. Time, their talents, yes, their treasure as well for kingdom purposes. Because ultimately, this devotional isn't about mastering money, it's about aligning our hearts with God's. And if that happens, if someone ends these 21 days trusting him more fully and treasuring him above everything else, and then handling money in a way that glorifies him, well, then the devotional has done its work.
That's awesome. You did a great job on this book, Rob. I'm so grateful to have been a small part of it. And thank you for sharing your heart and your vision behind this devotional. I cannot wait for our listeners to get their hands on it.
Well, you have been a huge part of it and continue to be in everything we do here at FaithFon. I am so thankful for our team here that God has assembled, folks. Our heart's desire is to encourage you, to equip you to live as faithful stewards and manage God's money God's way. Don't forget our brand new 21-day devotional, our ultimate treasure, is coming soon. And when you become a FaithFi partner by December 31st, you'll receive your copy along with the Faithful Steward magazine and other exclusive benefits.
Just go to faith5.com slash partner. That's faithfi.com slash partner. We'll be right back. You can do more than make a year-end gift. You can become a FaithFi partner.
Hi, I'm Rob West. When you give a one-time gift of $400 or more, or $35 a month, you'll receive our quarterly Faithful Steward magazine, two devotionals a year, including my brand new devotional, Our Ultimate Treasure, and access premium tools in the FaithFi app. But most of all, you help others to live as Faithful Stewards. Become a FaithFi partner before December 31st at faith5.com/slash partner. Are you feeling overwhelmed by credit card debt?
As followers of Christ, we are called to be good stewards of what God has given us. That's why our trusted partner, Christian Credit Counselors, is here to help. Their debt management program can help you pay off your debt 80% faster while honoring your commitments in full. Take the first step toward financial freedom today. Visit ChristianCreditCounselors.org or call 800-557-1985.
Great to have you with us today on Faith and Finance. We're taking your calls and questions today, 800-525-7000. Tina is in Texas. Tina, go right ahead. Hi.
I want to do a bathroom remodel on my bathrooms. One needs more work than the other. And I'm just trying to figure out what would be the best way to finance it. My goal is $25,000, but it looks like the project might cost between $35,000 and $36,000. I have $10,000 that I've saved up for repair work.
Great. And I have an emergency savings fund for three months. It's probably about maybe $25,000. But I have some stocks where I have some dividend cash and it's about $45,000.
So I didn't know what source I should use or if I should get a loan maybe on the dividend money with a low interest shared loan. It just takes so long to save money for me anyway.
So when I have it, just to get rid of it.
So let me make sure I understand the $45,000 that you said is dividend money.
So they've been paying you not in additional shares. The dividends has been coming in the form of cash payments, and you've been putting that into money market, or is that right? Yes, it's in a money market, yes.
Okay, got it.
So it's just sitting there, and that's $45,000.
So you could tap in. To that, you'd only need, it sounds like because of the repair fund you've already built up of 10,000, you'd only need about 25 of that.
So you'd have 20 left, and you wouldn't have to sell any of your existing investments, right? Because this is in the money market exclusively. Yes, sir. Yeah, I like that a lot, Tina, because that's going to avoid you having to take on a high interest rate loan. You know, if you were to go out and get a home equity line of credit, you'd have to pay the prime rate at a minimum.
And a lot of times it's prime plus something. Let's say it's prime plus a half, and you're not going to get that guaranteed in the market, which is essentially what you'd have to get to offset that. And with it sitting in money market, you're definitely not going to get seven plus percent.
So I think if you were saying I'm going to have to sell some of my investments, and then we'd have to factor in the opportunity cost of the compounding effect of those investments over time. But if this money is just sitting in money market, I would say I do that, especially because you're not touching your emergency fund. You'll still have 20,000 left in your dividend money market, which, by the way, you may want to think about unless there's specific goals you have for this money, reinvesting those dividends. Ends in more shares so it continues to compound and not just earn interest. But I think, bottom line, yeah, construction costs are up.
I'm not surprised it's more than you thought. And I think this money is the money to tap into.
Okay. All right, thank you. All right, thanks for your call, Tina. Lord bless you. All right, to Texas, Chris, thanks for your patience.
Go ahead. Yes, sir. Thank you for taking my call. Got a question on Medicare. I have signed up for Part A, have not signed up for Part B.
The company I work for has less Then twenty employees. My company actually has two employees now, and in a couple of months, it will only have one employee. Everybody knows the answer to this when it's above twenty employees. If you continue on and can show proof that you have been insured during that time. But when I talk to people at Social Security, and other Medicare experts, I'm getting different answers.
Some are saying you better sign up for Part B or you're going to get penalized. Others are saying no, you will not get penalized as long as you can show proof that you've had insurance Do you have any thoughts? Yes. Bottom line is, if the company has fewer than twenty employees, you have to enroll in Part B now to avoid those penalties and gaps in coverage. Here's why.
For employers that are under twenty employees, Medicare is considered the primary payer and the employer plan is secondary.
So, if you don't have Part B, your employer may refuse to pay for services Medicare should have covered. And then, when you finally do enroll in Part B, then you face that lifetime late enrollment penalty, which is a 10% higher premium for each 12-month period you were eligible but didn't enroll.
So with that few of employees, you want to go ahead and get that done.
Okay. Well, I've I've heard uh from Social Security and others, no, you don't. And then I've heard from other people, let's just do it to Be safe, so yeah, appreciate it. I mean, the other option is you could go make an in-person visit, but I think it's pretty cut and dry unless I'm missing something, which happens. Uh, I'm not, I'm certainly not going to get it always right.
But you know, my understanding is, and it has been this way for quite some time, that if the company has fewer than 20 employees, you will be penalized if you delay. And so, it's at least worth another look just because I'm pretty confident in that. Thanks for your call, sir. God bless you.
Okay, thank you, sir. You too. Quickly to Roger in Arkansas. I have just a minute left.
Okay, uh I got 17 great-grandchildren. And I was interested in If they put $10 a week into a savings, What would that amount to in thirty years? What are they going to do with it? Would they invest it or just put it in a savings account or an interest?
Well, that part I don't know. Uh, what they should do.
Okay. You know, well, I mean, that would have a huge impact on what ultimately happens to the money. But let's look at either option.
Okay. So $10 a week for 30 years. I'm just doing some quick math here. That's $520 a year at, let's say, 4% interest, which would be a good estimate. It's higher than that now, but let's say you could get 4%.
I'm just running the number here. Yeah, I mean, that's about $30,000 that that would grow to. After 30 years.
Now, if it was invested at an 8% average annual return, which is pretty conservative, you'd have $75,000. That $520 a year for 30 years would be $75,000 if it's compounding at 8%.
So somewhere between $30,000 and $75,000 if they did this consistently. I'd put it in just an index fund, probably. There will be a faith-based investing option on this. There isn't today. There will be early next year, but you could look at the Schwab Intelligent portfolios or betterment.
Both have great websites, great smartphone apps, and it's basically really low cost and just, you know, very easy to do. It's called a RoboAdvisor, Schwab Intelligent portfolios or Betterment. But on a savings account, we're talking 30K. On an invested account, somewhere around $75,000. Hey, you sound like a great, great grandfather.
I'm glad you're thinking about this. Thanks for being on the program today, sir. Lord bless you. Well, that's going to do it for us today, folks. Listen, if you want to support our work, we'd certainly be grateful.
Just head to faithfy.com. Slash give. It's a really important time for us here at the end of the year. Any gift helps us reach our goal. Also, if you want to find an advisor who shares your values, go to faithfy.com and click find a CKA or just go to findacka.com.
I'm Rob West. A big thanks to my team today: Pat, Sandy, Devin, Jim, couldn't do it without them, and everybody here at FaithFi that makes this happen. We'll see you next time. Bye-bye. Faith in Finance is provided by FaithFy and listeners like you.
